Skidompha Library’s Chats with Champions will feature author Laurie Chandler at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 8.

Chandler's second book, “Through Woods & Waters, A Solo Journey to Maine's New National Monument,” will be the topic of her conversation with Skidompha. No stranger to the community nor to Chats, Chandler will share her latest adventures, discovering Maine's new National Monument over the summer months of 2018. 

This new book is filled with pictures and maps, stories and local lore as well as her meticulous daily journal entries. The depth of her historical research on the rivers, industry, forestry, geology and cultures of Maine's Great North Woods has earned her rave reviews. 

She admits to an obsession for long solo adventure trips. In fact, she was the first woman to solo-paddle-through the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (740 miles from Old Forge, New York to Fort Kent, Maine) in 53 days in 2015. 

In ‘Woods & Waters,’ Chandler recounts her adventures trekking the panoramic peaks on the International Appalachian Trail, following age-old waterways into the upper watershed of the Penobscot River's East Branch, through northern Baxter State Park and descending the wild waters and quiet byways through the heart of the monument. 

All those wishing to attend this online Chat through Zoom may visit skidompha.org to sign up.  Those attending will be emailed a link prior to the event. 

Chats with Champions is a free community offering from the national award-winning Skidompha Library at 184 Main Street, Damariscotta. This program is generously sponsored by Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shops. For more information, please contact the library at 207-563-5513.